24 January 2018

5 Simple Changes to Make in 2018 to Lose Weight

Photo by Ellen Ashton
I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #SimplyNice campaign, sponsored by Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.

I think there is a direct correlation between Dallas Love List's following and my waist line. As much fun as I have working on Dallas Love List (I really do, it's my favorite thing ever, I'm so proud of that account) it is a significant problem for my weight and health. I eat out 5 times per week, and then on those 6th and 7th nights, I'm probably grabbing something from somewhere like Jimmy Johns or a grab and go street noodle place I love called Monkey King because I have so much work to catch up on. It's really bad, I need to make a change if I want to feel confident on our wedding day which is right around the corner, March 3rd!

If there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that gigantic overhauls don't seem to work. If I say, "Ok, I'm ONLY going to eat low cal, low carb, healthy fruits and vegetables from here on out" then I'll be doomed by dinner. No, I need something more simple that doesn't feel like I'm stripping myself of deliciousness and fun. I completely understand that I will never be 140 pounds again, that is not an achievable weight for me, but I'd love to lose 15-20 pounds and be a comfortable, maintainable size. I don't need to change the world, just need to make some simple adjustments.

Here are 10 simple changes I'm going to make in 2018 to help me lose weight!

1. USE A WATER TRACKER APP

I used to drink tons and tons of water, but lately I'm so busy that I wouldn't be surprised if I came home after a long day and realized I had only 1 glass of water all day. I'm going to force myself to drink more by using an app that sends push notification reminders to drink more water.

App Suggestion: Waterlogged

2. SNACK SMARTER

Number of snacks I generally have at work with me for when hunger strikes: ZERO! I never come prepared with snacks, and because of that I end up overeating at lunch and for sure overeating at dinner.

I'm teaming up with Walgreens today to tell you about a product that is going to help you snack smarter, but also make you feel like you're really getting to indulge in something totally delicious. The Nice food and beverage products are fantastic for a health-health-conscious family (or an engaged 31 year old blogger, wink wink) on the go. They're simple, honest and delicious, and couldn't be easier to get your hands on, seeing as they're located at Walgreens.

Nice!® believes in celebrating the good in every day, in every food, offering a range of healthier products that nourish the body, and delicious treats that elevate the spirits. They offer a wide range of balanced food and beverages that feature great tastes and you can feel good about it. Essentially, you'll be living well for less. The result, no PHO’s, no trans fats and striving to use real ingredients and reducing artificial ingredients.

As if shopping for these products could possibly be easier (they're legit located all over the store) they've put the quick nutritional facts on the top right corner so you know just what you're buying.

I can't just keep saying yes to every single free meal that graces my inbox. I need to find a contributor I trust to cover food and drink events for me. This is tough, because I am pretty particular on my feed, but I feel confident that I can find someone who both loves food and loves photography! My friend Ally and I work great together! Then, I can still have content for Dallas Love List, but can cook a healthy meal at home.

My biggest point here is to ask for help when you need it. If you need a virtual assistant, get one. If you need an intern, get one! We take on too many things all at once, don't be afraid to say no and ask for help!

4. GET OUT OF BED

I can't tell you how often I hit snooze or cancel a workout class because I'm a lazy butt! If I just get my butt out of bed and get to a spin or kickboxing class I'll feel so much better the rest of the day. Plus, it takes the stress off trying to get to a class after work and fighting rush hour.

Getting out of bed is so simple, but will make a gigantic difference for me.

5. IF LAST NIGHT YOU TOOK AN L, TONIGHT YOU BOUNCE BACK

Yes, I just referenced Big Sean, but those are wise words. If you fall off the wagon, all is not lost for the whole day! I promise you, just bounce back at the next meal. This is MY BIGGEST PROBLEM. If I mess up at lunch I treat that like permission to just blow it all again at dinner since I already screwed up.

Instead, if you messed up at lunch, have a small dinner. All is not lost, no mistake can't be fixed. In fact, take mistake out of your vocabulary. If you ate something delicious that might have more calories than you hoped, remember it fondly and MOVE ON - BOUNCE BACK!

What are your fitness and health goals for 2018!?
We are in this together, you lean on me and I'll lean on you, do we have a deal there?